Mac and Cheese Muffins

preparation

Encourage guests to dive in with their hands, or make birthday dinners more interactive with this unique twist on macaroni and cheese. Adored by children and grown-ups alike, this timeless classic is easy to love, and even easier to put together. Spice up lunchboxes with a portion of macaroni and cheese in bite-size, or grab some for when you want a quick snack on the move, our Mac and Cheese Muffins are great inclusions wherever they go.

Presented in portable sizes, the macaroni and cheese snacks make for perfect appetisers, lunchbox additions or engaging dinners. The addition of eggs helps the muffins hold their shape and ensures that they retain their moisture and viscosity even when cold. Liven up birthdays, or try an old favourite from a new angle – this recipe is as easy to follow, as it is to enjoy.

1. Preheat the oven to 180° C. Cook the Stortini pasta according to the packet instructions in a large pan of boiling salted water until al dente.

2. In a bowl whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper. Grate Castello® Extra Mature Cheddar and Castello® Aged Havarti and mix with corn starch. Stir the grated cheese with the egg and milk mixture.

3. Drain the pasta, keep the pan off the heat and add the cheese batter. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid the eggs from scrambling. Pour the mac and cheese into a muffin pan or in muffin cups.

4. Mix olive oil, finely chopped rosemary and breadcrumbs. Top the muffins with the breadcrumb mix and bake for 30 minutes at 180° C.

Enjoyed by all ages, cheese is a winner in every iteration it presents itself. To ensure that the creamy texture and depth of flavour is kept, even when cold, our recipe calls for two cheeses. Deep taste notes of crushed almonds and hazelnuts from our Castello® Aged Havarti engages your palate and prepares you for the iconic macaroni and cheese taste from our Castello® Extra Mature Cheddar. Together, the two run in harmony to create a smooth and tart sensation with a creamy finish. Both cheeses are aged, resulting in a crumbly texture that dissolves evenly and creates a silky and rich sauce without strings. Paired with the eggs and olive oil, the muffins stay flavourful and firm throughout the entire day, and the addition of breadcrumbs supplies crunch and texture.

Serving tips

For a younger crowd, serve your muffins alongside dipping sauces, as you would other finger foods. Try marinara sauce for an Italian spin, or keep it simple with some ranch dip - both are instant crowd-pleasers. As appetizers at dinner parties, pair your Mac and Cheese Muffins with a light sparkling wine or champagne. The bright notes of fruit stand in great contrast to the mellow flavours from the cheese. During dinner, the darker aromas from a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon thrive when enjoyed along the soft and nutty zests from the Cheddar, while Pale Ales are great when opting for beer instead.